Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has had to spend much of his season adapting his midfield to a variety of issues, with several configurations starting behind their much vaunted attacking trio. One of the reasons for that has been a disappointing season for Eduardo Camavinga.

The France international was one of the players that was expected to take a step forward this season with the departure of Toni Kroos last summer. While Aurelien Tchouameni looks to finally have found his footing without the German maestro, and Fede Valverde excelling from right-back, the opportunity is there for Camavinga to make a starting spot his own, taking into account an injury to Dani Ceballos too.

However that has yet to happen. Camavinga’s season has been defined by injuries and a ‘lack of continuity’ in the words of Ancelotti, having missed 19 games already in total. Against Atletico Madrid last week, he was the first player removed, and Luka Modric’s introduction saw a significcant improvement in Los Blancos.

According to Relevo, Real Madrid are concerned by Camavinga’s form this season, and in particular, his loss of confidence. They believe that is the key reason behind his performances of late, leaving much to be desired, but the hierarchy still regard him as one of their most promising players. All the same, they had expected Camavinga to grab his opportunity with both hands, and it is noted that chances come at a premium at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Camavinga has the backing of a dressing room that ‘adores him’, a coaching staff that point to his tender age of just 22, and long-term they retain faith in his abilities. He is expected to start this evening against Atletico Madrid, and the expectation is improvement.

This report also comes just over 24 hours after it was broken that Manchester City are interested in poaching Camavinga from Real Madrid. Los Blancos are dealing with lower than expected income this season, and a lucrative sale would allow them more room for manoeuver in the transfer market – whether they would be willing to allow Camavinga out the door is not yet known.